In what was likely an early ploy to garner support for a likely congressional bid, former Gov. Charlie Crist made an appearance at the St. Pete Democrats’ monthly meeting Wednesday night. The group was hosting St. Pete City Council candidates for a forum in advance of the August 25 District 7 primary.
Crist didnāt have much to say at the meeting, but mingled with Democrats in the room. When asked at the end of the meeting if he had any announcements, Crist responded, āno.ā
City Council member Karl Nurse greeted him as congressman, jokingly. Thatās because Crist is widely expected to run for the Congressional District 13 seat currently held by Republican David Jolly.
A likely Crist candidacy emerged when the Florida Supreme Court ruled that district lines would have to be redrawn under the stateās fair districting amendment. The expected changes to the district will likely shift the district from a slight Republican advantage to a Democratic-controlled constituency.
Following the news Crist tweeted that if the district lines include his home, he will run. Crist owns a condo in downtown St. Pete that, as of right now, falls in Kathy Castorās safe district. The circumstances have changed slightly because Crist and his wife just closed on a home last week on St. Pete Beach. However, that area will still fall within the new district.
Asked about his intentions Crist said āIām very interested, obviously,ā but wouldnāt add much more. He dismissed any concerns about facing Eric Lynn in a Democratic Primary and said he hasnāt given too much thought to how a campaign would play out if former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker were to also run.
Baker has strong name recognition and bipartisan support in St. Pete.
Crist sat next to Susan McGrath, chair of the Pinellas County Democrats and president of the Pinellas Stonewall Democrats. The two were seen occasionally whispering.
